My Hair Regrowth Journey After Chemo, Radiation, and Optune: Trying Nioxin + Biotin

When I was first diagnosed with glioblastoma, I knew that chemotherapy and radiation would take a toll on my body—but nothing prepared me for how hard it would be to lose my hair. It is more than just hair. It is identity. It is confidence. It is one more reminder in the mirror that cancer tried to take something from me.

On top of that, I wore Optune for months—a treatment that required me to shave my head regularly. While I believe Optune played a role in helping me fight glioblastoma, I eventually made the personal decision to stop using it. Since then, the idea of hair regrowth has become deeply personal to me. It is not about vanity. It is about reclaiming a part of myself.

Now, nearly 18 months into survival and still standing strong, I have decided to try something new: Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment, Nioxin Night Density Rescue serum, and a daily Biotin supplement.

Why I Chose Nioxin (and Biotin)

After reading countless forums and talking to other survivors, Nioxin kept popping up as a brand with a reputation for supporting scalp health and promoting hair growth—especially after stress-related or medical hair loss. It is not magic, and it is not a miracle. But it is a start.

What drew me to Nioxin is that it is widely available, clinically tested for some types of hair thinning, and has a no-nonsense application system. The idea of applying a nightly serum—something that felt like self-care—really appealed to me.

Alongside that, I am also adding Biotin, a vitamin that many believe supports hair, skin, and nail strength. I figured if I am trying to nourish my scalp on the outside, I might as well support it from the inside too.

Where I Am Starting

Right now, my hair is patchy, thin, and growing at different rates in different areas. Some spots are fuzzier than others, and my scalp still feels sensitive from time to time. I am not expecting dramatic changes overnight—but I am hopeful.

I plan to:

• Apply the Nioxin Night Density Rescue serum each night before bed

• Use the Hair Regrowth Treatment daily on my scalp along with the Shampoo. 

• Take Biotin daily with my morning routine

I will also be gentle with how I brush, wash, and style my hair moving forward.

What I Hope to See

If I am being honest, I do not just want hair—I want to feel like myself again. Even tiny sprouts, little baby hairs, or areas filling in would feel like a victory. I want to feel like I have some control over what happens next. That I can grow something—anything—after what cancer tried to take.

I will be documenting my journey each month with photos, product impressions, and updates on how it is going. Whether it works perfectly, moderately, or not at all—I will share it honestly.

A Gentle Reminder

This is my personal journey. I am not affiliated with Nioxin, and I am not giving medical advice. I chose to stop Optune based on my own health goals and after long, thoughtful discussions with my care team. Please make any decisions about stopping or changing treatment in partnership with your medical professionals.

Always consult your doctors before starting any hair treatment or supplement, especially after chemotherapy, radiation, or medical device usage.

Stay Tuned

If you are walking this path too—whether from chemo, radiation, Optune, stress, or anything else—I see you. I am with you. And I hope my journey offers something useful, or at the very least, a bit of solidarity.

I will include links to the exact products I am using below so you can see what I am trying:

Nioxin Night Density Rescue Serum

Nioxin System 1 Scalp Care + Hair Thickening Leave-In Treatment

Nioxin System 1 Scalp + Hair Thickening Shampoo

Sports Research® Biotin 10,000mcg

Let’s grow together. 💚